Black and Wiliam (formative assessment research)

Black and Wiliam conducted influential research on formative assessment, which is the ongoing process of gathering and using feedback during learning to improve understanding. They found that regular, targeted assessments—like questions or discussions—help students learn better by identifying misunderstandings early. When teachers adjust their instruction based on this feedback, student engagement and achievement increase. Their work emphasizes that formative assessment is a critical tool for personalized teaching, enabling educators to respond to students’ needs in real-time, ultimately fostering deeper learning and self-awareness among students.